NHL fines Red Wings for article comments

New York, NY (Sports Network) - The National Hockey League fined the Detroit
Red Wings an undisclosed amount on Saturday in the wake of an article
published earlier in the week which included critical comments about
commissioner Gary Bettman.

The comments, made by Red Wings senior vice president Jim Devellano, were
published in Island Sports News on Thursday. According to TSN of Canada, the
fine is approximately $250,000.

"The Detroit Red Wings' organization and the League agree that the comments
made by Mr. Devellano are neither appropriate, nor authorized, nor permissible
under the League's By-Laws," said NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly. "Such
comments are neither constructive nor helpful to the negotiations."

Devellano, 69, served as general manager of the Red Wings from 1982-90 and
1994-97, remaining in the club's front office since then. Prior to that, the
Toronto native served as director of scouting and assistant GM for the New
York Islanders, helping mold the dynasty which won four consecutive Stanley
Cups from 1980-83.